Mission, Texas- The Mighty Robo-Rangers robotics teams from Mission CISD (Consolidated Independent School District) dominated the competition for the 2nd year in a row at the annual Texas Computer Education Association (TCEA) Area 1 Robotics Competition held this past weekend hosted at San Benito CISD. The Area 1 consists of seven counties that include: Cameron, Hidalgo, Jim Hogg, Starr, Web, Willacy, and Zapata. There were a total of 27 school districts and 21 charter schools in the competition. The Area 1 robotics competition is one of the largest in the state with over 300 teams participating in four different competitions and levels. The teams compete in Advanced (High School) or Intermediate (Jr. High & Elementary) divisions. In each of those divisions, teams can compete in the invention contest or the arena contest for the opportunity to compete at the TCEA State Competition by placing in the top 2 of every category.
The Robo-Ranger teams from Alton Memorial Jr. High swept the top three places in the invention intermediate competitions. Last year, the AMJH Robo-Rangers also swept the top three spots in the same category. In the intermediate arena competition, the AMJH Robo-Rangers took the top spots by placing 1st and 3rd. In the Advanced Inventions category, the AMJH Robo-Rangers had an all 6th Grade Rookie team take 2nd Place. In the Advanced Arena category, the Mission High Migrant Robo-Rangers team earned 1st place in the high school arena division by posting the highest score of the day. The AMJH Robo-Rangers had one of their junior high school teams place 3rd in the Advanced Arena.
The teams matched the trophy count from last year, and placed higher than last year’s results. At the end of the day, 8 of the 12 trophies belonged to the Mighty Robo-Rangers teams from Alton Memorial Jr. High and Mission High School. The teams that placed first and second in their categories automatically advance to the TCEA State Championship Robotics Competition to be held on April 30, 2016. Teams that finish a close third place can also advance to state pending a wildcard invitation by TCEA. The last two years, the Robo-Rangers have advanced several teams to the state contest and have back-to-back 4th Place finishes in the Intermediate Arena division.
Results for the Intermediate Inventions teams from AMJH-
Purple Robo-Rangers, first place, Keyla Trejo, Gabby Martinez, Kimberly Maldonado, Diana Trejo. Aqua Robo-Rangers, second place, Jennifer Amador, Ashmin Torres, J.D. Garza. Gold Robo-Rangers, third place, Cristian Navarro, Emily Lozano, Lesley Adame, Jennifer Godinez.
Results for the Intermediate Arena teams from AMJH-
Pink Robo-Rangers, first place, Adamaris Sanchez, Vanessa Gamboa, Ryan Palacios, Perla Gonzalez. Green Robo-Rangers, third place, Robert Ramirez, Matthew Perez, Ulises Cruz, Justin Soto.
Results for the Advanced Inventions teams from AMJH-
Titanium Robo-Rangers, 2nd Place, Michael Vasquez, Cristian Sanchez, Ashanti Vasquez, Erykah Rodriguez, Alexa Pena.
Results for the Advanced Arena teams from MHS and AMJH-
Migrant Robo-Rangers, first place, Nancy Olvera, Kysela Garcia, Damian Gutierrez. Silver Robo-Rangers, third place, Jose Escobedo, Miguel Garcia, Daniel Martinez, Luis Martinez.
In the Invention contests, teams of two to four students create and develop a robotic invention to demonstrate a solution for a problem of their choice. This showcases research, robot performance, robot design, marketing, and presentation skills for a panel of judges. Students approach their problem as a real team of engineers working together to solve their problem using the engineering design process.
The Arena contest is a more prescribed problem contest. Teams of two to four students receive a set of challenge rules and specifications designed around a theme that varies from year to year. This year’s theme is “Power Up” and is designed around the theme of Energy and Power Storage.
Students had to design and innovate a robot using the EV3 and NXT platforms of Lego Mindstorms to accomplish a number of objectives. This entailed months of preparation, brainstorming, designing, and programming.
The challenge is designed around the theme of Energy and Power Storage entitled “Power UP” for 2015-2016 TCEA Arena Challenge. The team’s robot had to strategically be programmed to perform six tasks on the challenge field, autonomously. In “Power Up,” a team’s robot had to perform specific tasks on the challenge field. The EV3 Robot had to: manufacture Super Batteries, take Super Batteries to the Collection Area, Power Up by deploying a Lightning Rod, Recycle unused Battery Housings, Clean up the manufacturing test facility, and Three-Way Stop.
The Mighty Robo-Ranger coaches/sponsors are: Robert Granados, Sammy Rivera, Noe Pena, Samantha Granados, David Bridgewater, and Damaris Rivera.
Pictured are the members of the Mighty Robo-Rangers after the recent TCEA Area 1 Robotics Competition.
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